MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Improvement Authority, after briefing the Board of Freeholders, today selected Allaire Healthcare Group of Freehold as the company best qualified to lease and run the county’s Morris View Healthcare Centre.
That decision will allow the MCIA to commence negotiations with Allaire which has offered the county $2.7 million annually to lease Morris View. (click here for website)
Combined with a reduction in costs to the county to operate Morris View, the lease could result in an initial total annual savings of $4 million to $6 million, and up to $8 million a year by the end of the decade.
The MCIA chose Allaire based on the unanimous recommendations of a special seven-member county panel, which reviewed eight proposals to lease Morris View based on evaluation criteria approved by the State Comptrollers’ Office. Factors considered by the panel, included financial viability, staffing capabilities, operational practices, and quality control.
Allaire previously purchased and is successfully operating a former Monmouth County nursing facility, which had been owned and managed by county government.
It is important to note Morris County will continue to own Morris View and will closely monitor the quality of care offered by Allaire, or any other company that would lease the 283-bed nursing home and sub-acute rehabilitation facility located in Morris Township.
The MCIA in March issued a Request for Proposals for the potential leasing of Morris View. It sought proposals from experienced private health care organizations for the lease of the 211,277 square-foot facility, including the transfer of the 283-licensed long-term care beds, now held by the county, through the New Jersey Department of Health.
Eight firms responded to the RFP. For a complete list click here.
The Board of Freeholders, when authorizing the development of an RFP for the potential lease of Morris View in 2016, stressed that the county is retaining ownership of the facility and insisted on specific patient care requirements to maintain the high quality of care now offered to elderly and disabled residents living there.
To ensure the choice of a high quality private health care provider, the freeholders voted to employ the MCIA to handle the RFP process, which could give the county more flexibility in choosing the most qualified respondent, rather than be tied to the highest bidder.
The Freeholders approved the leasing option last year following an independent study of Morris View. The study by consultant Perselay Associates projected that the tax-supported subsidy to run Morris View would rise from some $7 million incurred in 2016 to $15.5 million annually by 2020.
The study found that a potential leasing option of Morris View to a private nursing home company could be a viable solution to respond to the projected financial issues that are likely to affect Morris View, while also maintaining the high quality of care offered at Morris View.
The information compiled by Perselay Associates supplements a 2015 report by done for the county by consultants Marcus and Millichap.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Vik Joganow, CEO at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA cuts the ribbon that officially opens the Wellness Path at the back of the Y facility.
Thanks to the support of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, the funding collaborative of New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, the New Jersey Department of Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Atlantic Health System, the Y was able to construct a Brazilian Teak boardwalk path for members and the community to utilize year round.
The path connects the woods behind the facility to the playing fields of Mountain Lakes High School.
Also in attendance from left to right, Chris Michael Kirk and Jessica Mulcahy from Atlantic Health, John Sheehan, Y Building & Grounds Supervisor, Anthony Shovlowsky, Y Fitness Director, Lauren Barnett, Deputy Mayor of Mountain Lakes, Beverly Cooper, Y Communications Director, and Y Board Vice President, Angelo Intile.
Parsippany Resident Bob Venezia presented the following facts during the Council Meeting of Monday, May 22. Unfortunately due to time restraints imposed by Council President Louis Valori, limiting the public portion to three minutes, Mr. Venezia didn’t finish the entire presentation. Mr. Valori cut off Mr. Venezia after speaking for three minutes. Parsippany Focus is publishing his entire presentation.
Here is the complete presentation he attempted to discuss with the Mayor and Council:
A little known and even less publicized feature of the affordable housing rules is the concept of Urban Aid Municipalities as defined by the state legislature. The 46 Urban Aid Municipalities are home to 30% of New Jersey’s population, and they contribute heavily to the number of affordable housing units needed at the state and regional level. However, they are under no obligation to actually build affordable housing units, so their obligation must be absorbed by the remaining 70% of the state. In Morris County, which lies in region 2, affordable housing quotas are inflated by at least 40% because of the Urban Aid Municipality exemption.
To be designated as a “Qualifying Urban Aid Municipality”, only one of three criteria must be met. It should come as no surprise that each of these criteria have little to do with affordable housing and everything to do with politics. As a result, the majority of voters in almost every municipality that appears on the Urban Aid Municipality exemption list is affiliated with a single political party. Let’s examine each of these criteria a little closer.
Rule #1 states that if a municipality contains a number of substandard housing units greater than the regional average, then it qualifies as an exempt urban aid municipality. But logically, why would you want to discourage towns that have a large inventory of substandard housing, like Newark, Camden, Paterson, and Trenton, from building affordable housing that actually meets acceptable living standards?
Rule #2: Any municipality with a population of at least 10,000 people per square mile of land area is exempt from affordable housing obligations. This rule may also be labelled as the Hudson County Exemption Rule because of the way it is constructed. Rule #2 exempts 87% of Hudson County’s population, while few, if any, other towns in the state meet this criterion. A high population density has not prevented affluent towns like Jersey City and Hoboken from adding tens of thousands of market value housing units in the last decade. Why shouldn’t some of them be affordable?
Rule #3 appears to be specifically targeted to exempt the Essex County constituency. Essex didn’t quite make the 10,000 people per square mile criterion, so that rule had to be tweaked a little bit. Rule #3 exempts municipalities with populations of 6,000 to 10,000 per square mile provided that the amount of vacant land in the municipality is less than 5%. This contrived rule exempts 70% of Essex County, while the 5% vacancy clause limits many other towns in the state from qualifying. Montclair, one of the more affluent towns in the state, gets an affordable housing free pass under this rule.
It’s easy to understand why the legislature included these rules in the Fair Share Housing Act. They were just taking care of their loyal constituents. But if the New Jersey Supreme Court was truly concerned about the equitable distribution of affordable housing throughout the state, then these rules should have been struck down. The true intentions of the Fair Share Housing Center and Dr. Kinsey also come into question here because of their lack of objection to these rules. Why didn’t they demand that their fair share methodology be applied to all municipalities equally and without exception? In fact that is exactly what should happen. The Econsult and Dr. Kinsey methodologies should be applied uniformly throughout the state. The only reason any municipality should be exempted from their affordable housing obligation is if the Econsult and Dr. Kinsey calculations result in a zero obligation.
The Urban Aid Municipalities Exemption rules need to be challenged and they need to be overturned.
So, I am asking the council and the mayor to initiate the process by either formally requesting Econsult to challenge the rules, or by commissioning our own legal counsel to do it. I would now like to hear from each of you whether you intend to pursue this course of action or not, and if not, please explain why.
PARSIPPANY — Children, teachers, parents were all having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash Run/Walk held on Sunday, May 21 at Veterans Memorial Park, Route 46.
Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
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Chrissy Palkewick-Allen, Aimee Walsh Letsch, Beth Marks, Pamela Leigh, Anna Yachera, Kavita Rehan and Liz Nissim Matheis
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
Having fun at the Troy Hills School Color Bash 2017
PARSIPPANY — Ms. Su Tsui, 70, Parsippany was stopped at the red traffic signal on Route 46 West at Smith Road, when a 2003 Silver Nissan Altima driven by Mr. Faisal Khan, 23, Boonton, wasn’t paying attention and did not stop and struck the 2007 White Honda Accord.
There were no injuries and Mr. Khan’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Hiawatha Towing. Ms. Tsui was able to drive her vehicle from the scene..
Parsippany-Troy Hills Officer Gregory Bloete investigated the accident.
Vehicle was stopped at red traffic signal and hit from behindOpps. Driver wasn’t paying attention
MORRIS COUNTY — Virginia Vertetis, 55, was sentenced to thirty years in New Jersey State Prison after being found guilty of murdering a Staten Island man with whom she had a previous relationship. Vertetis is required to serve thirty years without the possibility of parole. The prosecution of this matter was handled by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.
“This is the worst of crimes,” said Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano during the sentencing of Virginia Vertetis before Judge Stephen Taylor in state Superior Court in Morristown. Troiano, who was the lead prosecutor in the case, added that, “This type of violence is … permanent in every sense of the word.”
Vertetis was convicted by a Morris County jury on April 3 on the first degree charge of Murder and the second degree charge of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
This incident was first reported to police just before 10:00 p.m. on March 3, 2014, when officers with the Mount Olive Police Department responded to 2 Apollo Way in the Flanders section of the township after a 911 call by the victim’s daughter. Authorities found the body of Patrick Gilhuley immediately inside the front entrance of Vertetis’ home. Gilhuley was pronounced dead at the scene and Vertetis was arrested shortly afterwards. The investigation revealed that Vertetis fatally shot the victim within her home.
“The jury reached the just and proper verdict, and the defendant has now been sentenced for the senseless murder of Patrick Gilhuley,” Prosecutor Knapp said. “It is our genuine hope that this will bring some sense of closure to his family.”
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to Vertetis’ conviction, including the Mount Olive Police Department, the Criminal Investigation Section of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, the New Jersey State Police office of Forensic Sciences, and the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Democratic Committee held a meeting “Focusing on the Role of Women in Elective Office,” on Sunday, May 21. The event was held at Livingston Benedict House, 25 Old Parsippany Road.
Women in Politics
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Mountain Lakes Councilwoman Ellen Emr with Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Mimi Letts
26th Legislative District Candidate Laura Fortgang
Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Mimi Letts
Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach
Council Candidate Janice McCarthy
Julie Peterson
Speakers included Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach, Former Parsippany Mayor Mimi Letts, Mountain Lakes Councilwoman Ellen Emr and 26th Legislative District Candidate Laura Fortgang.
Mayor Janice Kovach Mayor Kovach has served as mayor in Clinton since 2012, positively impacting her community. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for women, volunteering a good deal of her time to mentor and train women to run for office. Prior to being Mayor Janice was elected to the Clinton town council in 2004 until 2006. She is a committed public servant. Janice ran for the New Jersey Assembly in 2005 and House of Representatives in the Seventh District in 2014, served as Secretary of the NJ State Democratic Committee, on New Jersey Highlands Water & Protection Planning Council and Director of the New Jersey Division on Women.
Also, Janice was a guest speaker for Tedx talk titled Honor Dairies, “What is Honor.” It’s on YouTube and if you haven’t seen it I suggest you do. It addresses the plight of women throughout the world. The images in the presentation are powerful. We are so glad that Janice agreed to speak at our event today.
Mimi Letts Served as Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills for eleven years beginning in 1994 to 2005. Quite an accomplishment in a republican town. During her tenure, Mimi committed funds to purchase open space, build a new police headquarters and courthouse, built parks including Veterans Park. More importantly Mimi built bipartisan support within the administration to grow and improve the community. When she retired in 2005 she left the Parsippany in much better place.
Prior to being Mayor Mimi ran for council, served on the Planning Board, Board of Adjustments, New Jersey Highlands Water & Protection Planning Council and a trustee for Parsippany Senior Citizens Housing Corp and was instrumental in building support for the Brookside Senior Citizens Housing.
Mimi continues to give her time and support in mentoring candidates sharing her knowledge and expertise.
Ellen Emr Served as councilwomen in Mountain Lakes from 2008 to 2011. Again, another accomplished woman that won a seat in a strongly held Republican town. Ellen is active on many of the borough committees. She was in the forefront against major development that would have impacted open space on a wooded tract of land adjacent to 40 acres of Mt. Lakes’ borough Park. She successfully argued against changing the zoning code to permit the development. Something we’re familiar with in Parsippany. Ellen was also active in opposing the Waterview Development Project and helped significantly limit the impact of the project.
In the recent 2015 election, Ellen provide guidance and support and was instrumental in working to elect Democrats, women, to Mountain Lakes’ town council.
Ellen too is an advocate and mentor for candidates running for office.
Laura Fortgang Laura Berman Fortgang is a mother, small business owner and active in her community, Laura has an impressive career as an acclaimed speaker, bestselling author, life coach and career strategist. She has written seven books her most recent “Now What”. You may know Laura from her appearances on Oprah, CNN, MSNBC or read her blog on Huffington Post. Laura is a candidate for District 26, general assembly.
PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade class at Intervale Elementary School recently held a car wash to raise funds for the end of year activities.
The students washing the fire truck from Rainbow Lakes Parsippany Fire District 2Mia Nardi and Anya Sadowski washing the fire truck at Intervale School Fifth Grade Car Wash
HANOVER — Mack-Cali Realty Corporation announced it has signed a lease with 24 Hour Fitness at the Company’s shopping center at the intersection of Sylvan Way and Ridgedale Avenue, in the Mack-Cali Business Campus. 24 Hour Fitness will join anchor tenant Wegmans and will occupy approximately 40,000 square feet.
Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading fitness industry pioneer with nearly four million members in more than 400 clubs across the U.S. The new club will feature personal training services, popular group exercise classes, and a variety of strength, cardio, and functional training equipment.
Wegmans is currently under construction and is scheduled to open their 134,000-square-foot supermarket on July 23.
“Mack-Cali is thrilled about bringing 24 Hour Fitness to the Parsippany/Hanover area. 24 Hour Fitness will join Wegmans as key amenities not only for our office tenants and residents in the area but also the entire community. Adding amenities like 24 Hour Fitness and Wegmans are at the core of Mack-Cali’s commitment to its tenants and the markets in which we are a part of,” said Michael J. DeMarco, Mack-Cali Chief Executive Officer
Mark Needle of Triumph Realty Group represented Mack-Cali in the 24 Hour Fitness transaction, as well as, the Wegmans deal. Pierson Commercial represented 24 Hour Fitness.
Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is a fully integrated, self-administered, self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) providing management, leasing, development, and other tenant-related services for its two-platform operations of waterfront and transit-based office and luxury multi-family assets. Mack-Cali provides its tenants and residents with the most innovative communities that empower them to re-imagine the way they work and live.
A famous American by the name of Paul Revere cried through the streets “The Red Coats are Coming! The Red Coats are Coming”. To this day, Revere is a hero that warned the American Colonists of the dangers that were coming their way. Today a new battle cry can be heard in the streets during this assembly primary; and that cry is, “The special interests are coming! The special interest are coming” For you see, Assemblywoman DeCroce is being bought by the special interests throughout the state, and it is high time you all become aware of it.
After reviewing the election report filing from the assemblywoman, it appears that her loyalty is more aligned to the special interests that fund her campaign, rather than the voters she represents. Matter a fact, over $40,000 from special interests from across the state has poured money into her campaign in this one election, and many of them are directly connected to the passage of the gas tax last October and the record-setting property taxes. Assemblywoman DeCroce is championing herself as a proven conservative that takes the fight to the liberals in Trenton, but her record shows she advocates more for the special interest and promotes policies that only increases our taxes; something conservatives fights hard against! At the Jefferson and Morris County Young Republicans Candidates night on May 4th, the Assemblywoman announced to the crowd that she is proud of her gas tax vote and wouldn’t change a thing. Remember that each week when you go fill up your vehicle at the gas station.
Freeholder and Assembly candidate Hank Lyon is running his campaign with the help of friends and family that believe in true conservative principles. He has not taken any money from special interests and has a proven record of fighting for what is right in our county. He understands that voting for a 130% tax increase in gas would not solve the underlying problem but rather spending cuts are the real solution to our financial problems, which is why he voted for a resolution in 2015 in opposition to the gas tax! Having been at the freeholder board meetings, Freeholder Lyon worked hard to make the apprenticeship program optional and supported and stewarded an e-verify measure. Through his tireless work and strong communication skills, Freeholder Lyon got a big win for the taxpayers of Morris County.
Freeholders Mastrangelo and Cesaro on the other hand showed support of the earlier proposal, backed by the local unions, that would have made the apprenticeship program mandatory thereby making it incredibly difficult for non-union shops to do business on public works projects in Morris County.
By fighting against the special interests lobbying for this program, Freeholder Lyon was looking out for our best interests. According to the county staff, project labor agreement costs would have increased around 30% if the original program was implemented, further increasing our taxes. Lastly, instead of praising Freeholder Lyon for voting no on raising our 2017 county taxes, freeholders on the board and the assemblywoman are now attacking him; claiming he is showboating for the crowd. They cannot offer a better argument than Freeholder Lyon so they attack him for being against a budget that would ask the taxpayers to pay more in Morris County?
Again, I ask you when did Republicans become the party of higher taxes and more spending? Freeholder Lyon and his understanding of conservative governance demonstrate his understanding sound fiscal policy and how he will fight for the interests of his constituents in Trenton. On Tuesday June 6, Vote Freeholder Hank Lyon for Assembly and tell the special interests that your vote can’t be bought.
Vincent La Iacona 26th Legislative District Constituent
PARSIPPANY — As reported in Parsippany Focus on April 7, Democratic activist and candidate for governor Bill Brennan filed a citizen’s complaint against Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Business Administrator Ellen Sandman in Parsippany Municipal Court on Friday, April 7, a move that could result in fourth degree criminal charges against the duo. (Click here to read full story: Criminal Complaints filed against Barberio).
According to the complaint, both defendants were to appear in Morris County Superior Court on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Before a complaint is sent to Morris County Superior Court, a probable cause hearing must be heard by a judge. Parsippany Municipal Court determined that they were in conflict and sent the case for probable cause to Morristown Municipal Court.
Bill Brennan stated “My criminal charge in Parsippany has resulted in odd behavior by the municipal court system. Before sending the case to Morristown Municipal Court for a probable cause determination, the Parsippany Municipal Court set a first appearance for the defendants in Superior Court for April 19. This caused media inquiries to the Superior Court regarding status. In response the Superior Court was perplexed because no paperwork had been received from either Parsippany or Morristown.”
Mr. Brennan then asked Parsippany Municipal Court what happened and was told that on April 7 the case was sent to Morristown Municipal Court for a Probable Cause determination.
Morristown Municipal Court is hopelessly conflicted because:
Morristown Planning Board Attorney is John Inglesino;
Morristown Township Attorney, Vij Pawar, represents Barberio (in Carifi vs. Barberio);
Morristown Prosecutor, Robert J. Rudy, III, is partnered with Barberio’s attorney,Vij Pawar (in Carifi vs. Barberio). Mr. Rudy currently serves as the Municipal Prosecutor for the Town of Morristown.
Parsippany Focus called Mr. Pawar on Wednesday, April 19, asking for comment as to why the Probable Cause hearing was scheduled for Morristown Municipal Court on Thursday, April 20, when it is clearly a conflict of interest. Mr. Pawar did not return our call.
Parsippany Focuscalled the Morristown Court Clerk on Thursday, April 20, and was advised the case has been sent back to Parsippany Municipal Clerk for further determination.
Despite these conflicts, the Morristown Municipal Court held onto the charge from April 10 until April 20 when they “discovered” these conflicts.
Morristown Municipal Court returned the complaint to Parsippany Municipal Court. Parsippany Municipal Court then sent the case to Lincoln Park Municipal Court Judge Andrew M. Wubbenhorst. After holding the case for almost a month Judge Wubbenhorst determined he was in conflict of interest.
Now, Parsippany Focus, has learned a probable cause hearing will be held by Pequannock Township Municipal Court Judge, John A. Paparazzo, on Monday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the Court Chambers located at 530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike (Second Floor),
Pompton Plains.
Mr. Brennan stated “This delay appears to be a calculated maneuver to buy time for the Mayor and Council. Both Morristown judges violated the Judicial Code of Conduct by delaying a case on behalf of the defendants under the misguided notion that somehow modifying a salary ordinance after the hiring and payment of employees would mean a crime did not occur. Under Inglesino’s reasoning two employees could be hired as Keyboarding Clerk 1 on New Year’s eve and each receive $48,000 in salary for that day – they could then work on January 2 and each receive another $48,000 in salary for that day and then be laid off. This nonsense is what passes for legal advice in Parsippany – so far the system is failing us again when it comes to Christie’s cronies.”
“On ‘Planet Inglesino’ two keyboarding clerks can legally collect a total of $192,000 by working two days each and the salary range would not be violated. This is absurd.
We are about to see what kind of corrupt judge goes along with such an obvious fallacy,” stated Mr. Brennan in a press release.
In the meantime, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council scheduled an “special” meeting, on April 11, to pass an ordinance to change the White Color Salary Ordinance (Click here to read story: Cover Up Of A Crime? Salary Ordinance Revised; 3-2 Vote on First Reading). Council President Louis Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani approved the Ordinance on First Reading. Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voted no.
The Ordinance was approved 3-2 on final reading at Regular Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 25.
The Ordinance, #2017:05, shall be retroactive to January 1, 2017 for all employees active on the date of introduction of this ordinance. The salary in this ordinance for Keyboarding Clerk 1 will have a minimum starting salary of $17,000 annually to $55,000 annually. (Note: A copy of the Ordinance was not available to the public during the special meeting, Parsippany Focus obtained a copy through Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Click here to see the complete White Collar Salary ranges.
“I find it kind-of comical that we had to have this special meeting, at the last second, right after this gentlemen who you claim files this bogus claim,” Councilman Paul Carifi told Parsippany Focus. “Again, the mayor hired these people at a higher rate than what the salary ordinance allows. That is a fact. This is a knee-jerk reaction, as usual, by the mayor.”
“I’m voting with my conscience, no,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said.
Bill Brennan told the Daily Record, “I am beginning a legal campaign against these lawless abusers. Inglesino is my ultimate target. I investigated the perpetrators and started with Inglesino’s cronies, and am working my way up.”
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, June 4 the Parsippany United Methodist Church will be hosting a Blood Drive with Community Blood Services in honor of all persons who are fighting an illness and at times may need blood transfusions.
Please consider signing up to give the gift of life giving blood. The blood you donate gives someone another chance at life. One day that someone may be a close relative, a friend, a loved one or even you. The bloodmobile will be located in the church parking lot at 903 S. Beverwyck Road from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can sign up online by clicking here or by calling (201) 251-3703 or by email: marionp@cbsblood.org.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer with the blood drive, you can contact Anna Egorova at anna.egorova@gmail.com.
The mission of Community Blood Services is to “promote the health of our community by providing high-quality blood and tissue services, education and innovative research, utilizing state-of-the-art technology in synergy with strategic partnerships and alliances.”
You are eligible to donate if you meet the following criteria:
You are in good health
You are at least 16 years old; 16 and 17 year olds need to have parental consent forms and proof of age. (If you are over 75 years old and reside in NY you must be healthy and may need a note from your doctor saying you can donate)
You weigh at least 110 pounds
You have diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure but it is under control
You have not donated blood in the last 56 days (112 days if your last donation was double red cells)
PARSIPPANY — Members of K-Kids of Lake Hiawatha Elementary ran a lemonade stand and donated their profits of $227.00 to the K-Kids “Pennies for Patients”. This club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Pennies for Patients is a three-week program for Elementary and Middle Schools where students collect change and raise funds while learning about service and philanthropy. This program is part of the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Series.
For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, visit parsippanykiwanis.org.
PARSIPPANY — Co-owner, Parsippany IHOP, Mo Abdelhadi presented Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects with a check from the donations received during “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
IHOP collected donations during the month of April for Kiwanis Club and promoted the campaign as they have for the past three years.
“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to connect with families is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent all forms of child abuse”, she continued.
Ava Arthurs at Pinwheel Garden for Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During April and throughout the year, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Parsippany-Troy Hills a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by making meaningful connections with children, youth and families in our communities. Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. They are:
Nurturing and attachment
Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
Parental resilience
Social connections
Concrete supports for parents
Social and emotional competence of children
Karen DeChristopher and Mo Abdelhadi in front of the display at IHOP
RANDOLPH — More than thirty students at County College of Morris (CCM) were recently recognized by the college for their academic, leadership and athletic success.
Included among those recognitions were the awards presented to students at the 48th Annual Campus Life Appreciation Dinner Dance. Since 1969, CCM’s Office of Campus Life has recognized outstanding students who have been involved in clubs, organizations and performing arts productions. This year’s recognition event took place at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph.
“These students have worked hard and contributed significantly to the life of the college,” noted Tom Molski, director of Campus Life. “This is our way of providing them with some well-deserved recognition and thanking them for their efforts.”
Awards presented at the event were:
·Board of Trustees Service Award: Michael Gosden (Rockaway)
·Dean Patton Student Life Award: Ranell Bell (Dover)
·Outstanding First Year Student Leader Award: Andrea Alfonso (Parsippany)
·Distinguished Student Leaders Awards: Michael Gosden (Rockaway), Andrea Doucette (Succasunna), Spyridoula Fotinis (Succasunna), Margaret Moutis (Parsippany), Marcelle Owens (Denville),Elizabeth Peter (Califon), Brian Seligson (Parsippany), Shelsey Vazquez (Dover), Holland Von Stamwitz (Morristown)
·Performing Arts Awards: Catherine Hodic (Springfield), Jonathan Reisch (Oakland), Luis Tosado (Randolph), Emily Alworth (Caldwell), Annmarie Ferran (Lincoln Park)
·Performing Arts Technical Awards: Michael Mandanici (Denville), Kelly Kavanaugh (Rockaway), Matthew Frawley(Netcong), Renzo I. Trimanez-Espinosa (Parsippany), Ryan Puttbach (Hopatcong), Julia Craig (Madison),
·Outstanding Contribution to Performing Arts Department Award: Gabriel Weiss (Pine Brook)
·Outstanding Performance in Drama Awards: Evan Wovsaniker (Whippany), Liam Young (Hardwick), Kira Gumbinger (West Milford), Chelsey Caulfield (Blairstown)
·Academic Excellence in Drama Award: Liam Young (Hardwick)
·Dean Judith Raulf Performing Arts Awards: Mark Carovale (Wharton), Maryann Hannon (Landing)
·Donald Yaw Performing Arts Award: Rachel Wilson (Randolph), Mykaela Pocquat (Budd Lake)
The Department of Athletics at County College of Morris also recently presented awards to its most successful team members during academic year 2016-17.
Presented with awards were:
·Male Athlete of the Year: Jim Fluke (Netcong), Baseball
·Female Athlete of the Year: Mary Mastriani (Sparta), Softball
·Male Scholar Athlete of the Year: Jonathan Svendsen (Great Meadows), Soccer
·Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: Isabella Paz Baldrich (Budd Lake), Volleyball
·Male Freshman of the Year: Ranell Bell (Dover), Basketball
·Female Freshman of the Year: Carly McDaniel (Lincoln Park), Softball
·Female Student Athlete on The Rise: Ariel Solimando (Succasunna), Basketball
·Male Student/Athlete on the Rise: Oliver Vasquez Castellon (Parsippany), Soccer
·CCM Titan Award: Zabrina Gale (Succasunna), Basketball; Raeanna Cope (Budd Lake), Soccer; Taylor Fehnel (Long Valley), Soccer
·Comeback Player of the Year: Christen Mills (Whippany), Softball
EAST HANOVER — The Morris County Board of Freeholders will hold the second of eight 2017 county government ”road meetings’’ at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at the East Hanover municipal building as part of a continuing effort to bring county government closer to their constituents.
Residents from East Hanover and all towns in Morris County are invited to the freeholder meeting and to raise issues and ask questions about county and regional issues.
The East Hanover Municipal Building is located at 411 Ridgedale Avenue.
The agenda for the Freeholder meeting will be available by clicking here.
Morris County is governed by a seven-member Board of Chosen Freeholders. The members are elected at large to serve three-year terms. It is not unusual for a Freeholder to spend between 30 and 40 hours a week on activities related to the part-time position. The Freeholder Board sets policies for the operation of six super-departments, more than thirty divisions plus authorities, commissions, boards and study committees. Actual day-to-day operation of departments is supervised by the county administrator. The Board of Chosen Freeholders has been granted broad powers by the state legislature to regulate county property, finances and affairs.
PARSIPPANY — ParHills Football Parents Association held a “Car Wash” at the Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46 on Saturday, May 20. Every person who had their car wash for $5.00 also received a coupon off their breakfast compliments of IHOP.
The Vikings finished the 2016 season off 7-5.
All the volunteers that came out to raise money forSophomore Ryan Christofferson washing off the carJunior Justin Gurth at the PHHS car washSophomore Football player James Koegler washing a carThe cars were just waiting to be cleanedConnor Schaefer, Adney Suvil, Patrick Whalen and GJ Nzzziolu were promoting the event in Arlington PlazaThe soap was applied
PARSIPPANY — Michael D’Alessandro, Lake Hiawatha Fire Department (LHFD) was collecting money, during its annual “Boot Drive” for the department along North Beverwcyk Road on Saturday, May 20.
Mike was out raising money for the department just three weeks after he had a triple bypass heart surgery. D’Alessandro has been a volunteer for over 27 years and has served in the following roles: Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Financial Secretary, Vice President, President, House & Grounds Chairman, Collection Committee Chairman, Assistant Engineer, Engineer and Head Engineer.
The mission of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department is to protect the lives and property of the people of Lake Hiawatha and the surrounding communities against fire and other hazards. This will be accomplished by fire fighters who are well trained and drilled in the strategies and tactics of modern day firefighting. These firefighters will act at all times in a professional manner using properly maintained equipment.
The section of Parsippany Troy-Hills where Lake Hiawatha is located was settled as a summer community along the Rockaway River in 1932. At the time only three streets in town were available for travel: North Beverwyck Road, Dacotah Avenue and Nokomis Avenue and development only reached the lake in 1935. The lake was the center of summer activities for the area, consisting of a white sandy beach with a pavilion, children’s playground and a barbecuing area.
Truck 643 was purchased at $395,000.00 and delivered in 1995
On January 3, 1935, the area suffered its first tragedy. A home on Wenonah Avenue was completely destroyed by fire and in February six men met to discuss the need for a fire department. In the basement of Ferdinand Kaiser’s home, Al Hoffman, George Eiscamp, Art Everly, Theodore Spatz, Richard Thompson and Mr. Kaiser formed the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department. The first organized meeting was held on February 25, 1935 at the Lake Hiawatha Club House where Mr. Spatz was elected the first Chief and Mr. Kaizer was elected the first President for association functions.
In the beginning the department didn’t have any fire trucks or a fire house. All the men had their three packs that were referred to as “Indian tanks”. These tanks were filled with water with a small hose and a nozzle at the end which sat on their back. If the fire was too large, the LHFD would have to call for the Rockaway Neck Fire Department (now Parsippany District #5) or the Parsippany Troy-Hills Fire Association (currently Parsippany District #6) to assist.
Throughout 1935, the members worked hard to acquire money to obtain a fire engine and a fire house. There were several fundraisers held, the first of which was a professional boxing match that cost 50¢ for general admission and 75¢ for ringside, although the largest money maker was a Minstrel show where four hundred and fourteen people came to watch the firefighters sing, dance and tell jokes all for a worthy cause. In August of 1935 the LHFD raised enough funds and purchased their first fire engine which was a 1913 American LaFrance. Since there was no firehouse, the fire engine was housed behind Thomas Broadways home (today where the Lake Hiawatha Post Office is located).
Now that the LHFD had a fire engine, they wanted a permanent location to store it. Land was acquired in September 1935 by way of donation from Benjamin Kline. Mr. Kline donated two lots on Lake Shore Drive where a 30 x 36 foot building was planned to be built with cement blocks and a stucco finish. The total cost of construction for the two bay building was $1,000.00. No contractors were hired but instead the members of the LHFD donated their free time and put in many hours to have a place to house the vehicle that would eventually save many lives and property in their area.
Also in September 1935, many of the wives of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department members wanted to do their part for the community. They started the LHFD Ladies Auxiliary and elected Florence Herdon as their first President. Their main function was to be a support branch of the department and would provide the firefighters with coffee in the winter and cold beverages in the summer. Over the years the Ladies Auxiliary hosted many events to raise funds for the FD and give back to the community, such as dances, lunch with the Easter Bunny, Candle Light bowling and various raffles. The LHFD Ladies Aux. joined the New Jersey Fire Auxiliary in 1977 and were represented by three delegates and two alternates and served a vital role in supporting the firefighting activities. In 1985 the LHFD ladies auxiliary was down to only five members and over time the interest dwindled and auxiliary was disbanded. Although there is no longer a Ladies Auxiliary, they are not forgotten and many of their awards and photos are displayed in the firehouse meeting room.
The Highlight of the October 27, 1935 dedication was the laying of the cornerstone by Mr. Kline. Placed inside the cornerstone was a scroll bearing the charter members signatures. A siren was purchased for the rooftop from the Upper Greenwood Lake Fire Department for $20.00 to notify the volunteers of a fire. Jesse Hendershaw worked as a paid caretaker for the firehouse, maintaining a constant 40°F year round temperature and turning the outside red light on at night and turning it off at sunrise.
The fire department’s rules and regulations are spelled out in its Constitution and By-Laws which were approved by the charter members in 1935. Under the original constitution, the LHFD would have a Chief, Assistant Chief, and three foremen although the word foreman was later changed at the next meeting to Lieutenant. In the following years, a Captain was added to the ranks but in 1947 the office of Captain was replaced by a fourth Lieutenant. In the 2000’s the fourth Lieutenant position was again changed back to Captain. Since 1935 the Association has consisted of a board of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and a Financial Secretary. Over the years, the Constitution and ByLaws have undergone many revisions.
In January 1936 in conjunction with the other fire departments in Parsippany Troy-Hills Township, the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department became known as Parsippany Fire District #4. Every fire company in town was assigned a number, but never changed from its original name. In becoming a fire district, Fire Commissioners are elected by the residents of Lake Hiawatha to approve purchasing of fire apparatus and equipment. The first elected Commissioners were Dr. Herman Minzesheimer, Al Edelman, Vincent Lubrano, George Eiscamp and George Glaser.
In 1939 the LHFD made plans to build an addition onto the firehouse for a meeting room and a kitchen that became known as the “club room”. A pool table, bar, shuffle board and piano were added to the room so the members could socialize at the firehouse and a heating system was also added to keep the firehouse 70°F year round.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the members of the LHFD rallied in support of America by joining the Military Service Organization of Parsippany Troy-Hills. The department conducted air raid drills, purchased black-out shades and collected $80.00 in a 1942 scrap drive. Those members who were of age enlisted in the U.S. military and were granted military leave as to not affect their standing in the department. During the holidays the department sent cards and gifts to their brother firefighters overseas and proudly displayed a service flag year round inside the firehouse.
In 1960 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department held a celebration in honor of its 25th Anniversary. The highlight of the weeklong celebration was a parade held on May 28th and gave out trophies to several other departments that participated in the parade.
In 1969 the LHFD broke ground for a new firehouse. This fire station was built at the corner of Lake Shore Drive and North Beverwyck Road, the current location it is today. Much of the construction was done by the members and an extensive building fund campaign was needed. The fire department started the fund drive with a large parade in 1968.
In 1972 Vincent Lubrano was named Fireman of the Year by the Schaefer Brewing Company and James Gill was the Schlitz Fireman of the Year in 1978.
During 1974, the LHFD took delivery of their first “Command Unit” which also was the first that acted as a fire department utility/transport vehicle. It was designed by Firefighter Paul Koert to fit the district’s needs in terms of scene lighting, firefighter transport, and equipment storage.
In 1980 Vice President George Bush visited Parsippany and the LHFD was part of the detail that provided protection for the Vice President. The fire department received no monetary reward for their service and was proud to do their part to provide safety to the Vice President of the United States of America.
In 1995 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department realized that a small ladder truck would aid the community and bought a 65’ aerial truck. It was the first of its kind for the area and has been a great asset in fighting fires in Lake Hiawatha.
During the year of 2006 it was determined the LHFD needed to expand once again. The fire department hired a contractor to add a fourth bay, an elevator, and a commissioner meeting room with a basement. Along with these other rooms, an outdoor patio was also constructed for members’ use during the summer months.
In 2008 the LHFD dedicated the block of Lake Shore Drive from Washington Avenue to North Beverwyck Road as “Vincent Lubrano Drive” in honor of the dedication that Mr. Lubrano has had for the LHFD. Mr. Lubrano is still a member of the fire dept. and is the Chairman of the Constitution Committee.
On August 14, 2010 the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department hosted its 75th Anniversary. Unlike the past celebrations, there wasn’t a parade but instead hosted a large barbecue completely funded by the LHFD to give back to the community for their support over the last three-quarters of a century.
PARSIPPANY — First Baptist Community Church held it’s annual yard sale on Saturday, May 20. The items were donated by the parishioners to sell at the yard sale.
First Baptist Community Church is located at 800 Vail Road. Sunday services: 10:00 a.m. Soul Connection – Your weekly reality check (for all ages); 10:30 a.m. Worship Service and 11:45 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship. Wednesday morning prayer group at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Rev. Dr. Turk is an ordained American Baptist minister. She grew up in Queens, New York and graduated from Queens College with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts, eventually working as a commercial sculptor. After hearing God’s call, she enrolled at New York Theological Seminary where she earned a Master of Divinity degree, and then Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, where she was awarded her Doctorate in Ministry to Marriage and Family.
For more information please call (973) 334-6002 or click here.
VERONA — Planning is underway for the 2017 Valerie Fund Walk & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run. The event will take place on Saturday, June 10 in Verona Park, a magnificent setting for a celebration of children in our community being treated for cancer and blood disorders. To learn more about the event and to register for the certified 5K race and the Walk, click here or call The Valerie Fund offices at (973) 761-0422.
Bella Rocco’s update – Turning Pain into Purpose
Bella is currently student at Parsippany High School.
When Bella was seven years old her parents noticed she was pale, always tired and cold.
When they took Bella to the pediatrician they found out she was anemic. They didn’t think much of it since Mrs. Rocco was anemic. Some adjustments were made to Bella’s diet, gave her iron pills, some additional supplements and thought that would be the end of it.
Thanks to an excellent pediatrician who decided to perform additional tests. The results of the test determined there were more to it and sent the Rocco’s to a Gastrointestinal specialist located at Morristown Hospital.
More tests were performed and the results were negative. Very long story short, thanks to the persistence of the Gastrointestinal doctor, she found that Bella had a tumor in her stomach.
What Bella has is called pediatric GIST (Gastro intestinal stromal tumor). This is very rare among children. The good news is they were able to remove it through surgery and she has never needed chemo or radiation.
The bad news is they told us the chances of it coming back were extremely high. Sure enough, less than two years later they found another tumor. This time, she showed no symptoms. They found the tumor because they were monitoring her every few months with MRIs and knew what to look for. This time the tumor was behind her stomach near her spine so they wanted to get it out before it caused any problems.
Another major surgery, but again thank God no chemo or radiation. Mrs. Rocco remembers in all honestly that despite the fact that she had moments of thinking “Why my kid?” and “How can this be any worse?” the truth is when you get off the elevator on the pediatric floor of a cancer hospital (and they’ve been to many at this point) reality smacks you in the face, you count your blessings and realize this is nothing compared to what other families are going through.
They have realized that they were so lucky that this hasn’t been worse. It is manageable. They are truly grateful for that. You would never know what Bella has been through. Bella is so full of life, strong, otherwise healthy and fearless!
After a few uneventful years, 2016 resulted in new tumors being found and more surgery for Bella. She had plans to spend a few weeks in Italy with her cousins that summer. She wanted the surgery done quickly so she could still go. One step at a time they got through it all-the fear, the uncertainty, the surgery, the recovery. Bella got released from the hospital the day before The Valerie Fund Walk 2016.
Bella insisted on going so we got a wheelchair and there we were with all of the other warrior kids and all of the other parents that are in this club that none of us signed up for. Five weeks to the day from her surgery Bella boarded a plane to Italy and never looked back. She always has been and always will be a rock star! Doing what has to be done and moving forward. Grateful in knowing that it could be worse and paying it forward to everyone fighting the fight.
We all look forward to seeing Bella walking with her friends and family this year. Healthy and better than ever-what a difference a year makes!
To join Bella’s Bunch, click here. Bella’s 2017 goal is to raise $7,500.00. At the time of this article she raised approximately $2,300.00.
Since 2006, the nonprofit organization’s premier fundraiser has grown steadily—in attendance, number of donations and sponsorship participation. On June 10th, more than 4,000 people are expected to again join several hundred Valerie Fund patients and families in recognition of their courage and to spread awareness of pediatric cancers and blood disorders.
Why do you walk? So many have been touched in some way by the devastating effects of a life-threatening illness. The Valerie Fund invites everyone to come out on June 10 to walk and run in honor of your own hero – a child, family member or friend that has struggled with cancer or a blood disorder.
In her dozen years as Director of Marketing and Communications at The Valerie Fund, Bunny Flanders has seen a tremendous increase in awareness and in the responses to The Valerie Fund’s efforts to get others involved. Flanders says, “Everyday people are sharing their personal experiences with me about how they have been touched directly or indirectly by cancer or blood disorders. I feel the message of this year’s marketing campaign, “Why do you walk?” triggers a powerful response since it is so inclusive. The number of answers to the question “Why do you walk?” are immeasurable. And every message rings true, the underlying theme being, we walk to make a difference!”
The Valerie Fund addresses the most immediate needs of patients and families whose lives are suddenly and dramatically upended. Core services provide emotional, practical and financial support complementing state-of-the art medical treatment at seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers located in New Jersey, New York and metropolitan Philadelphia. The hallmark of The Valerie Fund services ensures that families and hospitals do not have to rely on insurance reimbursements to receive the range of support of a multi-disciplinary team including a staff of social workers, psychologists, child life specialists and educational liaisons. More than 6,000 children with cancer and blood disorders are treated annually—a network that is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Sponsorships continue to be the foundation of the Walk/5K Run’s success as well as the grass roots efforts of hundreds of Walk Captains and their teams. The Valerie Fund takes great pride in sharing some of the major sponsors’ names: Atlantic Health, RJW Barnabas Health, Burger King, U.S. Trust, the Inserra, Saker and Village ShopRite families and JAG Physical Therapy, underwriter of the 5K Run. We would like to welcome Danone and Global Healthcare Management Inc to our premier fundraising event this year.
Media support is provided by WCBS-TV 2 HD, WCBS 880, Outfront Media, Screenvision and Clear Channel who donate on air public service announcements, radio spots and billboards. Local sponsors will provide complimentary food and beverages and entertainment will include carnival activities, live music, and face painting.
Event information:
Who can participate?
Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to participate!
How much does it cost to participate?
$35.00 for Walkers
$45.00 for Runners
Children under three years old are free
Valerie Fund patients are free
How far is the walk?
The walk is a leisurely 1.2 miles.
Dear Editor:
“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director and Committee Chair of Kiwanis Club’s Young Children Priority One (YCPO) service projects. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to connect with families is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent all forms of child abuse”, she continued.
